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Product Description
A Night on Earth - The First Light
Celebrating the first sunrise of the new year seen over New Zealand, one of the most easterly countries of the world.
Coming Together
The Macallan's A Night on Earth series explores the unique ways communities across the globe gather to welcome the new year. For our fourth release, we journey to one of the first places on Earth to be touched by the sun’s first light, New Zealand.
It is here, at this most auspicious time of year, that we reflect on the past and embrace the future as one. Through the evocative artwork of local illustrator Bonnie Brown, this release captures the essence of a Southern Hemisphere celebration – its vibrant sights, its fragrant scents, and its cherished traditions of togetherness.
Crafted by The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team to honour this moment of unity, this expression is matured in a harmonious combination of sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, with sparing inclusion of casks that once held bourbon. It offers a warm, fruity profile – a taste that echoes the joy of festive summer gatherings on the coast, and the shared hope that illuminates the dawn of a new year.
The First Light
New Year in New Zealand is a time for togetherness, celebration and hope, ushered in with fireworks over the sea, bonfires on the beach, and the symbolic warmth of a new dawn.
As one of the first countries to welcome the new year, New Zealand holds a unique place in this moment of global significance. The first rays of sunlight set the tone for the year ahead - bright, peaceful and full of promise.
Celebration Inspired by Nature
The Macallan A Night on Earth - The First Light tells a universal story of celebration through New Zealand's breathtaking natural landscapes.
Inspired by rugged beaches, ancient trees and expansive summer skies - the exterior packaging reflects the crimson glow of bonfires on sand, while the inner layers reveal the deep blue of night skies illuminated by fireworks over the ocean. The final amber-toned layer evokes that magical first golden light of dawn as the new year begins - a tribute to nature's role in our most meaningful celebrations.
Special Moments
For this fourth release in the A Night on Earth series, we have collaborated with New Zealand-born artist and illustrator Bonnie Brown. Bonnie has drawn on her own memories of celebrating the New Year on the coast to inspire the artwork and design of The First Light.
Rooted in the warmth of long summer days, her illustrations reflect cherished rituals, welcoming the sunrise with loved ones and moments of quiet reflection by the ocean. The layers of the gift box design mirror the progression of a New Year's celebration in New Zealand, from dusk to dawn: a vibrant beach gathering, a sky lit by fireworks, and finally the golden glow of morning light.
Bonnie’s artwork invites you to unwrap not just a whisky, but a feeling of joy, renewal and shared beginnings of the very first light of the year.
“When I created this artwork, it reminded me of my family’s New Year’s Day ritual:starting the day at the beach and taking a swim in the ocean. It’s a fond memory and akey part of our annual tradition.”
Bonnie Brown - Illustrator
